Proper Use

Use this medicine only as directed by your doctor. Do not use more of it, do not use it more often, and do not use it for a longer time than recommended on the label, unless otherwise directed by your doctor. To do so may increase the chance of absorption through the skin and the chance of salicylic acid poisoning.

This medicine is for use only on the skin. Do not get any of it in your eyes, nose, or mouth . Rinse it off with water right away if it does get on these areas.

Before using an OTC acne product for the first time, apply a small amount to one or two small affected areas of the skin for 3 days. If no discomfort occurs, follow the directions on the drug facts label of the product.

If your doctor has ordered an occlusive dressing (airtight covering, such as kitchen plastic wrap) to be applied over this medicine, make sure you know how to apply it. Since an occlusive dressing will increase the amount of medicine absorbed through your skin and the possibility of salicylic acid poisoning, use it only as directed. If you have any questions about this, check with your doctor.

Keep this medicine away from the eyes and other mucous membranes, such as the mouth and inside of the nose. If you should accidentally get some in your eyes or on other mucous membranes, immediately flush them with water for 15 minutes.

To use the cream, lotion, or ointment:

Apply enough medicine to cover the affected area, and rub in gently.

To use the gel:

Before using salicylic acid gel, apply wet packs to the affected areas for at least 5 minutes. If you have any questions about this, check with your doctor.

Apply enough gel to cover the affected areas, and rub in gently.

To use the pad:

Wipe the pad over the affected areas.

Do not rinse off medicine after treatment.

To use the plaster for warts, corns, or calluses:

This medicine comes with patient instructions. Read them carefully before using.

Do not use this medicine on irritated skin or on any area that is infected or reddened. Also, do not use this medicine if you are a diabetic or if you have poor blood circulation.

Do not use this medicine on warts with hair growing from them or on warts on the face, in or on the genital (sex) organs, or inside the nose or mouth. Also do not use on moles or birthmarks. To do so may cause severe irritation.

Wash the area to be treated and dry thoroughly. Warts may be soaked in warm water for 5 minutes before drying.

Cut the plaster to fit the wart, corn, or callus and apply.

For corns and calluses:

Repeat every 48 hours as needed for up to 14 days, or as directed by your doctor, until the corn or callus is removed.

Corns or calluses may be soaked in warm water for 5 minutes to help in their removal.

For warts:

Depending on the product, either:

Apply plaster and repeat every 48 hours as needed, or

Apply plaster at bedtime, leave in place for at least 8 hours, remove plaster in the morning, and repeat every 24 hours as needed.

Repeat for up to 12 weeks as needed, or as directed by your doctor, until wart is removed.

If discomfort gets worse during treatment or continues after treatment, or if the wart spreads, check with your doctor.

To use the shampoo:

Before applying this medicine, wet the hair and scalp with lukewarm water. Apply enough medicine to work up a lather and rub well into the scalp for 2 or 3 minutes, then rinse. Apply the medicine again and rinse thoroughly.

To use the soap:

Work up a lather with the soap, using hot water, and scrub the entire affected area with a washcloth or facial sponge or mitt.

If you are to use this soap in a foot bath, work up rich suds in hot water and soak the feet for 10 to 15 minutes. Then pat dry without rinsing.

To use the topical solution:

Wet a cotton ball or pad with the topical solution and wipe the affected areas.

Do not rinse off medicine after treatment.

To use the topical solution for warts, corns, or calluses:

This medicine comes with patient instructions. Read them carefully before using.

This medicine is flammable. Do not use it near heat or open flame or while smoking.

Do not use this medicine on irritated skin or on any area that is infected or reddened. Also, do not use this medicine if you are a diabetic or if you have poor blood circulation.

Do not use this medicine on warts with hair growing from them or on warts on the face, in or on the genital (sex) organs, or inside the nose or mouth. Also do not use on moles or birthmarks. To do so may cause severe irritation.

Avoid breathing in the vapors from the medicine.

Wash the area to be treated and dry thoroughly. Warts may be soaked in warm water for 5 minutes before drying.

Apply the medicine one drop at a time to completely cover each wart, corn, or callus. Let dry.

For warts—Repeat one or two times a day as needed for up to 12 weeks, or as directed by your doctor, until wart is removed.

For corns and calluses—Repeat one or two times a day as needed for up to 14 days, or as directed by your doctor, until the corn or callus is removed.

Corns and calluses may be soaked in warm water for 5 minutes to help in their removal.

If discomfort gets worse during treatment or continues after treatment, or if the wart spreads, check with your doctor.

Unless your hands are being treated, wash them immediately after applying this medicine to remove any medicine that may be on them.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

For topical dosage form (cream):

For corns and calluses:

Adults—Use the 2 to 10% cream as needed. Use the 25 to 60% cream once every 3 to 5 days.

Children 2 years of age and older—Use the 2 to 10% cream as needed. Use the 25 to 60% cream once every 3 to 5 days.

Children younger than 2 years of age—Use is not recommended.

For topical dosage form (gel):

For acne:

Adults—Use the 0.5 to 5% gel once a day.

Children 2 years of age and older—Use the 0.5 to 5% gel once a day.

Children younger than 2 years of age—Use is not recommended.

For psoriasis:

Adults—Use the 5% gel once a day.

Children 2 years of age and older—Use the 5% gel once a day.

Children younger than 2 years of age—Use is not recommended.

For common warts:

Adults—Use the 5 to 26% gel one time a day.

Children 2 years of age and older—Use the 5 to 26% gel one time a day.

Children younger than 2 years of age—Use is not recommended.

For topical dosage form (lotion):

For acne:

Adults—Use the 1 to 2% lotion one to three times a day.

Children 2 years of age and older—Use the 1 to 2% lotion one to three times a day

Children younger than 2 years of age—Use is not recommended.

For dandruff and antiseborrhic dermatitis of the scalp:

Adults—Use the 1.8 to 2% lotion on the scalp one or two times a day.

Children 2 years of age and older—Use the 1.8 to 2% lotion on the scalp one or two times a day.

Children younger than 2 years of age—Use is not recommended.

For topical dosage form (ointment):

For acne:

Adults—Use the 3 to 6% ointment as needed.

Children 2 years of age and older—Use the 3 to 6% ointment as needed.

Children younger than 2 years of age—Use is not recommended.

For psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis:

Adults—Use the 3 to 10% ointment as needed.

Children 2 years of age and older—Use the 3 to 10% ointment as needed.

Children younger than 2 years of age—Use is not recommended.

For common warts:

Adults—Use the 3 to 10% ointment as needed. Use the 25 to 60% ointment one time every 3 to 5 days.

Children 2 years of age and older—Use the 3 to 10% ointment as needed. Use the 25 to 60% ointment one time every 3 to 5 days.

Children younger than 2 years of age—Use is not recommended.

For pads dosage form:

For acne:

Adults—Use one to three times a day.

Children 2 years of age and older—Use one to three times a day.

Children younger than 2 years of age—Use is not recommended.

For plaster dosage form:

For corns, calluses, common warts, or plantar warts:

Adults—Use once a day or once every other day.

Children 2 years of age and older—Use once a day or once every other day.

Children younger than 2 years of age—Use is not recommended.

For shampoo dosage form:

For dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp:

Adults—Use on the scalp one or two times a week.

Children 2 years of age and older—Use on the scalp one or two times a week.

Children younger than 2 years of age—Use is not recommended.

For soap dosage form:

For acne:

Adults—Use as needed.

Children 2 years of age and older—Use as needed.

Children younger than 2 years of age—Use is not recommended.

For topical solution dosage form:

For acne:

Adults—Use the 0.5 to 2% topical solution one to three times a day.

Children 2 years of age and older—Use the 0.5 to 2% topical solution one to three times a day.

Children younger than 2 years of age—Use is not recommended.

For common warts and plantar warts:

Adults—Use the 5 to 27% topical solution one or two times a day.

Children 2 years of age and older—Use the 5 to 27% topical solution one or two times a day.

Children younger than 2 years of age—Use is not recommended.

For corns and calluses:

Adults—Use the 12 to 27% topical solution one or two times a day.

Children 2 years of age and older—Use the 12 to 27% topical solution one or two times a day.

Children younger than 2 years of age—Use is not recommended.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, apply it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.